Top 10 Places to visit in Darjeeling on your Bike with Darjeeling Riders
The city is justly named as the ‘Queen of Himalayas’.It is one of the most popular hill stations in India and is a perfect collage of snowy and mighty Himalayan ranges, valleys, monastery, tea plantations and toy train. A gem of a place, Darjeeling is well known for its youthful vibe. An escape from the hot and humid summers of India, this hill town is a popular destination in the Northeastern part of India. Placed at a height of 2050 meters Darjeeling boasts of cool climate throughout the year.
Top 10 Places to visit on Bike Trip To Darjeeling with Darjeeling Riders
1. Tiger Hill
You can witness the first rays of sun hitting the twin peaks of Kanchenjunga. It is also the summit of Ghoom which is the highest railway station in the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. At sunrise the peaks are illuminated like never before. It is a complete package for a nature lover and offers with amazing sunrise views.
2. Batasia Loop
It is a lush green toy train pathway where one can enjoy a panoramic view of Darjeeling . Situated in Ghoom, Batasia Loop was built for easy navigation around the terrain of Darjeeling.
3. Japanese Peace Pagoda
A wonderful Japanese temple, Japanese Peace Pagoda is a two storied building built in traditional Japanese style. The peace pagoda showcases four avatars of Lord Buddha. From here also you can also get panoramic views of Darjeeling landscape.
4. Nightingale Park
It is a public park area visited by the tourists to enjoy some gorgeous views of Kanchenjunga ranges. The park was earlier called ‘The Shrubbery’ and is the best place to rejuvenate oneself. It also hosts a huge statue of Lord Shiva along with a musical fountain.
5. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
One of the best mountaineering institutes in the world was established in the year 1954. The primary motive behind the establishment of this institute was to promote the sport of mountaineering. It is a major tourist destination on account of its picturesque setting in the hill station of Darjeeling.
6. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
This zoological park is home to a wide variety of animals. It is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. The park is internationally known for its breeding and conservation programs. You can spot animals such as Asiatic black bear, Royal Bengal Tiger, Sambar Deer and many more.
7. Observatory Hill
Atop the mall road is the Observatory Hill which hosts the famous Mahakal temple and original shrine of Bhutia Busty Monastery. The hill is a place of religious significance for the Hindus and the Buddhists.
8. Happy Valley Tea Estate
Located at an altitude of 6800 feet this tea estate is the second oldest tea estate in town. Take a guided tour through this fragrant factory and observe how tea leaves are withered, rolled, fermented and dried.
9. Ghoom Monastery
Placed at an elevation of 8000 feet Ghoom monastery is one of the oldest Tibetan monasteries of Darjeeling. One can find many rare Buddhist manuscripts within the premises. A 15 foot statue of Maitreyi Buddha can be seen in the Central Hall.
10. Singalila National Park
Located in the Singalila range at an altitude of more than 7000 feet above the sea level it is home to the very rare and exotic red panda and the Himalayan Black bear. This area is strictly reserved for the protection of biodiversity and activities like hunting, poaching, grazing are prohibited.
Best time to visit Darjeeling with Darjeeling Riders
- Summer Season
The summer season is the peak season in Darjeeling as the weather remains pleasant. Temperature during the summers remains around 25 degree Celsius which is perfect for enjoying the beauty of the hill station. You can carry light cotton clothes for this season.
- Monsoon season
The city faces heavy rainfall and is highly prone to landslides. The temperature may vary from 13 to 19 degree Celsius. September is a good time to visit Darjeeling as the valley looks green and vibrant after the showers.
- Winter season
Winter starts from late October and the temperature varies from 5 to 7 degrees Celsius. Huge number of tourists go for bike trip to Darjeeling during this time of the year. Snowfall is a rare scene and hardly does the hill town experience snow. Make sure to carry woollen clothes as the weather remains chilly throughout the day.
Darjeeling is a heady mixture of splendid tea gardens, meandering toy trains, traditional Tibetan cuisine and gorgeous panoramas. Also do not forget to have a cup of freshly brewed tea and carry some fresh leaves back home. If you are planning bike trip to Darjeeling anytime soon, then do contact Darjeeling Riders, the best company offering bike rental in Bhutan, bike rental in Gangtok, bike rental in Darjeeling and bike rental in Siliguri.